Why Do People Love Climbing Rocks? 9 Questions Non-Climbers Always Ask

Rock climbing is one of the most mystifying sports for non-climbers. They often wonder why anyone would want to haul themselves up a sheer rock face, risking life and limb. 

But for climbers, ascending vertical terrain is an exhilarating journey that builds strength, flexibility, and mental focus. 

To move efficiently on the rock, climbers wear flexible climbing  shorts mens that allow a full range of motion.

If you've never tried climbing before, you probably have a lot of questions about this extreme sport. As a long-time climber, these are the 9 things non-climbers ask me most about rock climbing.

1. Aren't You Scared of Falling?

Fear of falling is understandable for non-climbers. Climbing looks terrifying from the ground! But climbers use ropes, harnesses, and other protective gear to stay safe. With proper precautions, the likelihood of a disastrous fall is extremely low. Still, climbers need to manage normal fear and anxiety. The mental discipline required is part of what makes climbing such an all-encompassing sport.

2. How Do You Start Climbing?

Many climbers start by going to an indoor climbing gym. These gyms have artificial climbing walls with different routes of varying difficulty. Here, new climbers can take introductory courses to learn essential safety techniques and get comfortable being off the ground. Indoor climbing is also a great way to meet other climbers and get conditioned for the unique physical demands of the sport. After getting proficient inside, climbers venture outside to try the real thing on actual rock faces and cliffs.

3. What Kind of Gear Do You Need?

Essential rock climbing gear includes:

• Harness - The waist and leg loops that secure a climber to the rope.

• Belay device - A piece of equipment used to feed the rope out gradually and catch falls.

• Rope - Usually ~10 millimeters wide and ~60 meters long for safety.

• Carabiners - Metal loops climbers attach to gear and their harness.

• Climbing shoes - Tight, sticky shoes that grip small holds on the rock.

• Chalk bag - Holds chalk that keeps hands dry for better grip.

• Helmet - Protects the head from falling rocks and debris.

Of course, the exact gear required depends on the type of climbing. But this list covers the basics for top-rope climbing at the gym or crag.

4. Can Anyone Do It?

Nearly anyone can rock climb with the right instruction. As a low-impact, full-body workout, climbing is suitable for kids as young as 5 up through adults of any age. Size or athletic ability does not matter on the wall—technique and mental determination are more important. Climbing gyms have programs adaptive for people with disabilities too. All you need is patience, focus, and a passion for problem-solving.

5. Isn't Rock Climbing Dangerous?

Statistically, rock climbing is much safer than many people assume. A 2017 report found the accident rate for the sport was only 0.027 per 1,000 climbing hours. For comparison, that's on par with the likelihood of getting injured playing soccer. Still, accidents can happen if proper safety protocols are not followed. Taking courses, checking gear, climbing with experienced partners, and knowing your own limits substantially reduces the risks.

6. Why Do You Like Climbing?

Ask any climber why they love the sport so much and you'll get a variety of answers. Many enjoy the problem-solving nature of finding the route up a rock face. Others thrive on confronting fear and pushing mental and physical limits. Spending time in nature and getting an amazing full-body workout are also huge draws. Climbers also love the supportive community and thrilling sense of accomplishment they feel at the top of each route.

7. Do Climbers Get Scared on the Rock?

Absolutely! Climbers constantly face fear and anxiety on the rock, especially attempting climbs at the edge of their current ability level. But learning to manage fear is a key part of the sport. With time and experience, climbers can stay calmer in stressful situations through mental training and confidence in their skills. Some jitters always remain though, even for pros. A healthy amount of fear keeps climbers attentive to dangers and focused on their next move.

8. How Do You Climb Such Steep Routes?

Steep rock that looks featureless from the ground is actually covered in tiny ledges, cracks, and bumps for hands and feet. Excellent climbing shorts mens provide flexibility and freedom of movement to twist and contort into odd positions. Climbers also rely on precise footwork and core tension to support their weight on the tiniest edges. Chalk helps keep hands dry for maximum friction. With practice, climbers hone techniques for scaling overhangs and roofs that seem impossible at first.

9. What is Your Favorite Place to Climb Outdoors?

From local sport climbing crags to iconic big wall routes, climbers have endless options. Dream climbing destinations include:

• Yosemite National Park - The legendary big walls of El Capitan and Half Dome.

• Red River Gorge, Kentucky - Sandstone sport climbing paradise.

• City of Rocks, Idaho - Historic granite domes and towers.

• Red Rock Canyon, Nevada - Stunning multi-pitch routes just outside Las Vegas.

• The Gunks, New York - Traditional East Coast climbing area.

No matter the destination, the best climbing spots combine inspiring natural beauty with exciting route variety perfect for the current skill level. Exploring new areas is part of climbers' endless quest to challenge themselves on different rock types and formations.

Let's Go Climbing!

Hopefully, this gives non-climbers more insight into rock climbing and why people passionately devote themselves to this demanding sport. If you have any other questions, grab your climbing friends and ask—we love sharing our favorite hobby! 

And of course, the best way to truly understand climbing is to give it a try yourself. Look for a beginner course at your local climbing gym and you'll quickly get hooked on the thrill of moving vertically. See you on the rocks!